Author: Vardiafrica

The Senate on Thursday sought an investigation into the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has set up an investigative committee to look into the matter. The committee will also invite the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have left many residents without homes. The motion, which was moved by Senator Ireti Kingibe of the FCT Senatorial District, expressed concern over the illegal demolition of structures in the nation’s capital and called for an immediate stop to further demolitions. The Senate resolved to set up an investigative…

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session for Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central. Senator Okpebholo was a member of the 10th Senate (2023+2024) until his election as Governor in September 2024. He was victorious at the poll after winning 11 of the 18 local government areas of Edo state. Speaking at the valedictory session, the Senator representing Edo North, former governor Adams Oshiomhole, described Okpebholo as a humble, resourceful, committed and intelligent man. “We’re happy that in 30 days, Edo people are aware that there is a new governor in town: humble, resourceful,…

The Senate has summoned the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Peer Lubasch, over the company’s refusal to honour invitations to provide details on the Odukpani-Itu Highway project. The Odukpani-Itu Highway is located in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom states. It connects the town of Odukpani in Cross River State to Itu in Akwa Ibom State, serving as a critical link for transportation and economic activities in the South-South region. According to a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, Julius Berger has neglected and refused to honour invitations to provide details of their role in the project, despite…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,  on Thursday directed the immediate deployment of personnel to strategic locations, and key areas, and identified hotspots across the country to curb traffic and highway robberies, as well as other criminal activities. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative aims to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property during the festive season. “The IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across all states. This initiative is aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal…

Vice President Kashim Shettima is chairing the 147th Meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC). The meeting is holding at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja and is being attended by governors and some deputy governors from across the 36 states as well as some ministers, heads of agencies, and presidential aides. In its 146th meeting held over three weeks ago, NEC issued three states and the FCT one week to submit their reports on the establishment of state police. It had also expressed reservations about the new Tax Reform Bills and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to…

The Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday held its 93rd ordinary session at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.The session chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar will focus on critical governance, economic policies and regional integration issues. In his opening address, the ECOWAS President, Omar Touray, commended President Bola Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for the support given to the regional bloc.He, however, noted that the gathering of the Council couldn’t be more timely considering the persistent challenges confronting the region.Touray also told the Council that 30…

CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk has become the first person in history to amass a fortune of more than $400 billion. His net worth now stands at around $440 billion (£345 billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, more than that of Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos combined. Mr Musk’s fortune has boomed in the weeks following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. A recent share sale at SpaceX played a key role in this milestone, contributing roughly $50 billion to Musk’s wealth and boosting SpaceX’s valuation to $350 billion, making it the world’s most valuable private company. This…

Dangote Refinery said on Wednesday it has made its first export of petrol to Cameroon, a milestone that could pave way for regional energy integration and help stabilise fuel prices across the region. The 650,000 barrel refinery built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote in Lagos aims to compete with European refiners when operating at full capacity and is expected to change trading of refined products in the Atlantic basin. The company did not provide details of how much was exported. Cameroon’s energy firm Neptune Oil said in the statement that both companies were exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable…

London, UK – The Global Reputation Forum 2024 (GRF) successfully concluded its two-day event held from December 5-6, 2024, at the UK Houses of Parliament’s Portcullis House and the Financial Times headquarters. Under the theme “Leadership, Policy, and Governance in a Digital World,” the forum brought together high-profile leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts to explore strategies for building and safeguarding reputations in a digitally interconnected world. Day 1 Highlights – December 5, 2024 The event was officially opened by Bell Ribeiro-Addy, UK Member of Parliament, who delivered a compelling Welcome Address, emphasizing the forum’s commitment to promoting thought leadership,…

Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held an in-person meeting at the Forum’s Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday night. Fifteen governors, mainly of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were present at the meeting as of the time of filing this report. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) and his Anambra State counterpart, Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), were the only opposition governors in attendance. The agenda of the meeting was not made available to journalists as of press time but the governors have, for weeks, been…